Millwall midfielder Ryan Leonard on putting things right against Sheffield Wednesday and his take on defeat to Swansea City

BY JAKE SANDERS

Millwall have no time to dwell on their defeat at Swansea City on Saturday and must put things right – starting with tonight’s match against Sheffield Wednesday.

That’s the verdict of the Lions’ record signing Ryan Leonard.

Millwall host Sheffield Wednesday this evening in the first of five games in the next 14 days, where they’ll be looking to record their first Championship victory since New Year’s Day.

Their 1-0 loss in South Wales at the weekend was just their second since Christmas in all competition.

Leonard said: “Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but there were aspects of the performance that we did well in.

“There were also aspects that we need to improve on, like any game really, but we have to take the positives. We have to go again, we have got a big month ahead and a lot of big games coming up.

“The gaffer has reiterated that the squad is going to be needed in the next few weeks and we have got a lot of games coming up, so we need everyone to stay fresh and to be ready to go.

“We have got to try and put things right against Sheffield Wednesday now at The Den. It is always nice to have another game come around just as quick, so we can try and put things right on Monday, go through it and see what we need to improve and hopefully put things right on Tuesday evening.”

Since Tom Elliott’s shoulder injury and Ben Thompson’s return from his loan spell at Portsmouth, Leonard has been playing a deeper role as part of a three-man midfield.

Leonard said: “I am happy to play anywhere to be honest, whether that is a bit deeper or a little bit further forward. I am happy just to play and do my best.

“He [Tom Elliott] has been a miss. He gives another dimension to the way we play. We can play it up to him and off him, but we can also get it down and give it to feet.

“I am sure he will be back fighting for the next few games, whenever he is fit. Hopefully we can try and get him on the end of some crosses, get him some goals to try and build us some results.”

The midfielder hailed the travelling support in South Wales after more than 1,000 Lions supporters made the long journey to the Liberty Stadium.

“The fans were brilliant,” said Leonard. “We didn’t create a hell of a lot in the game, but the fans stuck with us and gave us their backing. Hopefully that can continue for the rest of the season. They travel in numbers, wherever we go.

“There are a few difficult away trips on Tuesday nights, which is part and parcel of the game. That is probably our fault for doing so well in the FA Cup.”

IMAGE BY BRIAN TONKS